90°
Partly Sunny
6%
79
Baldwin County, AL · Gulf of Mexico
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge
12295 State Hwy 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
7,000-acre coastal refuge protecting some of Alabama's last undisturbed barrier-island habitat. Pine Beach Trail leads roughly two miles through pine-oak woodlands and dunes to a quiet stretch of Gulf shoreline favored by sea turtles and migrating birds. No facilities at the beach itself — pack in, pack out.
Today's Conditions
Great day for a beach walk.
Hot — hydrate and seek shade
Full NWS forecast for This Afternoon
Partly sunny, with a high near 90. East wind around 10 mph.
Tonight
A chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 78. East wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Weather
- 90°F air — hot — hydrate and seek shade
- Sunny skies — clear conditions
79 /100
great
74 Sunbathe
81 Walk
79 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
90°F
Clear
Wind
10 mph
E
Rain
6%
This Afternoon
Tomorrow
89°F
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Water
Water Temp
—
Next Low Tide
8:46 PM
0.4 ft · in 1.5h
Barometer
30.15 inHg
1021 hPa · buoy 42012
Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference
No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (ALZ266)
The MOB office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.
- ALZ265 Mobile Coastal-Baldwin Coastal — Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, n/a
- FLZ202 Escambia Coastal-Santa Rosa Coastal-Okaloosa Coastal — Pensacola Beach, Gulf Breeze, Navarre Beach, n/a
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:32 AM
Sunset
7:05 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
Tides
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 9:52 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 8:46 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 11:05 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 9:21 PM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:49 AM | High | 0.8 ft |
| 3:17 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 12:36 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| 6:11 PM | Low | 1.0 ft |
| 11:38 PM | High | 1.0 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 6:01 AM | Low | 0.7 ft |
| 11:34 PM | High | 1.2 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 10:03 AM | Low | 0.6 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:08 AM | High | 1.4 ft |
| 11:31 AM | Low | 0.5 ft |
| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 12:48 AM | High | 1.6 ft |
| 12:39 PM | Low | 0.4 ft |
High/low predictions from NOAA station 8735180, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
89°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
70%
14
88°
Showers And Thunderstorms
80%
13
89°
Showers And Thunderstorms
77%
13
88°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
40%
30
89°
Slight Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
23%
39
89°
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
33%
33
What to Bring Today
- recommended SPF 30 sunscreen clear day + warm temps
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- critical Extra water / electrolytes 90°F - heat risk
- recommended Cooling towel or hat sustained heat
Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).
Beach Info
Parking
Free trailhead lots at the Pine Beach and Jeff Friend trailheads on State Hwy 180.
Dogs
No pets permitted anywhere on the refuge; certified service animals only.
Entry Fee
Free
Address
12295 State Hwy 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Amenities
Frequently Asked
Is it safe to swim at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge today?
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.
Is Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge dog-friendly?
No pets permitted anywhere on the refuge; certified service animals only.
Is there an entry fee at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
Entry to Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is free.
Are there lifeguards at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
No lifeguards are stationed at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge. Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.
What amenities are at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
Amenities at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge include visitor center, hiking trails, birdwatching.
When is the water warmest at Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge?
The Gulf of Mexico is bathwater-warm by mid-summer — 84-88°F is typical from July through September on the FL Gulf, TX coast, and AL/MS coast. Swimming comfortable from April through October on most of the Gulf.
Where is Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge located?
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge is in Baldwin County, AL, at 12295 State Hwy 180, Gulf Shores, AL 36542.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS